REPLACEMENT OF A 3-COMPARTMENT ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR AFTER 20 YEARS OPERATION

The collecting efficiency of the filter which had gone into operation in 1974 with the 3000 t/d kiln at Marker Cement Works. Harburg had deteriorated to such an extent due to leaks in the casing caused by corrosion that the special evaluation conditions of the German Clean Air Regulations (No. 2.1.5) could no longer be fulfilled with certainty. Replacement of complete compartments, as had already been carried out a Sew years ago, did not appear practical as the corrosion resulting from the leaks would have put the newly fitted parts at risk again. The works therefore decided on a complete replacement of the precipitator: which would also allow the use of the latest technology. It was a condition that the base area and support points of the filter could not be changed. There was also a period of only a few weeks available for the replacement, Sor making the connections, and for commissioning. These structural and production conditions were met by completely dismantling the old precipitator lifting it out, and transporting it away. Immediately after this the new preassembled precipitator with a weight of 620 t was then lifted from where it had been assembled, complete with insulation, into the position of the old precipitator using 2 cranes. The lifting out of the old precipitator and the lifting in of the new one took place according to plan within two days. The acceptance measurements and the subsequent operation have shown that the requirements of the German Clean Air Regulations are now completely fulfilled.